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iOptron Arca-Swiss quick release plate for PST

iOptron Arca-Swiss quick release plate for PST

by iOptron
SKU IOP-3683
CA$27.00 - CA$27.00
CA$27.00
CA$27.00 - CA$27.00
CA$27.00
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  • Connects Coronado PST to Arca-Swiss compatible heads
  • Enables rapid mounting and dismounting of the telescope
  • Provides a secure, non-rotating connection to photo tripods
  • Durable, all-metal construction for stability
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box

  • Arca-Swiss quick release plate for PST

    A Dedicated Fit for Your Coronado PST

    This quick-release plate is engineered specifically for the Coronado Personal Solar Telescope (PST). Unlike universal plates, its design ensures a flush, secure fit against the PST's mounting block, eliminating the rotational instability that can occur with a single-screw connection. This creates a solid, integrated platform for your solar observations.

    Unlock Arca-Swiss Mounting for Your PST

    By converting the PST's standard 1/4"-20 thread to the Arca-Swiss standard, this plate allows you to use your solar telescope with a wide range of high-quality photographic ball heads and tripod clamps. This system is the standard for professional photographers because it offers superior grip and instant, tool-free mounting and removal. For a grab-and-go solar setup, the Arca-Swiss plate makes setup and takedown faster and more secure than threading the telescope on and off a tripod bolt.

  • What is the primary purpose of this Arca-Swiss plate for the PST?

    The primary purpose of this plate is to adapt the Coronado PST's mounting foot to the Arca-Swiss quick-release system. This allows for a much faster, more stable, and more secure connection to compatible photographic tripods and heads compared to using the standard 1/4"-20 threaded hole directly.

    Which mounts are compatible with this PST Arca-Swiss plate?

    This plate is compatible with virtually any tripod head, fluid head, or mount saddle that uses an Arca-Swiss style clamp. This is a very common standard on photographic equipment but is different from the Vixen-style or Losmandy-style dovetails used on many dedicated astronomy mounts.

    How does this Arca-Swiss plate help when observing a solar transit with a Coronado PST on a photo tripod?

    For events like a solar transit of Mercury or Venus, you need a stable platform. The Arca-Swiss plate provides a rigid, wide-contact connection to a photo tripod head that prevents the PST from twisting or slipping, which is a common issue with single-bolt mounting. This ensures your view remains centered and stable throughout the event.

    Is this plate stable enough for imaging solar prominences with a Coronado PST?

    Yes. When clamped into a quality Arca-Swiss compatible head, this plate provides a very stable base essential for imaging. It minimizes vibrations and prevents rotation, helping you achieve sharper images of delicate solar features like prominences and surface granulation with your Coronado PST.

    Can I use this Arca-Swiss plate to mount my PST on a Vixen-style saddle?

    No. This plate is designed exclusively for the Arca-Swiss mounting standard, which uses a narrower dovetail with a different angle than a Vixen-style saddle. To mount the PST on a Vixen-compatible astronomy mount, you would need a Vixen-style dovetail bar, not this plate.

    Why use this Arca-Swiss plate for the PST instead of the standard 1/4"-20 thread?

    While the 1/4"-20 thread works, it has two main drawbacks. First, it's slow to attach and detach. Second, it can easily loosen, allowing the telescope to rotate on the tripod. An Arca-Swiss plate solves both issues by providing an instant quick-release mechanism and a clamping system that locks the telescope in place securely.